Basil Bernstein was a British sociologist known for his work on language and education. He developed the concepts of restricted code and elaborated code, which describe different ways people communicate based on their social backgrounds. His research highlighted how language affects learning and social mobility. Bernstein's theories emphasized the importance of understanding the relationship between language and social class. He argued that educational systems often favor students who are familiar with elaborated code, potentially disadvantaging those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. His work has had a lasting impact on the fields of sociology and education.